ining camp has a short shrift."

"You mean he would be hung?" asked Tom, in surprise.

"Yes, he would grace a limb of yonder tree, and I am not sure but it
would be the best way to dispose of him."

Tom shuddered.

"It would be a terrible fate," he said. "I should like to see him
punished, but I don't want him hanged."

"Then you will have to keep your mouth shut. Once let the boys get hold
of what happened, and nothing will save him."

"Then I shall keep it to myself."

"I will see Crane, and let him understand that I am aware of the attempt
he made," said Miles.

After breakfast he came upon Crane within a few rods of Missouri Jack's
saloon.

"Look here, Bill Crane," said Miles, "I've got something to say to you."

"What is it?" returned Crane, sullenly, looking ill at ease.

"I understand you favored me with a visit, last night."

"Who told you so?"

"Tom Nelson."

"The young cub had better mind his own business," growled Crane, in a
menacing tone.

"He did me a service in preventing your intended theft."

"If he says I meant to rob you, he lies!"

"Nevertheless, if he should make public what he saw, the boys would be
likely to believe him rather than you," said Miles, significantly.

"Is he going to tell?" asked Crane, nervously.

"He has told me, but is not likely to speak of it to others, being
unwilling that you should suffer the punishment you deserve."

"He is very kind," sneered Bill Crane, but he felt very much relieved.

"You probably owe your life to his kindness," said Miles, quietly. "He
tells me you wish me to do something for you in Frisco."

"I've changed my mind," said Crane, abruptly; "I may go there myself,
soon."

Miles smiled.

"I thought it might be something urgent," he said, "since it led you to
come to my tent at midnight."

"I thought you would be starting away early this morning."

"Well thought of, Bill Crane; but it is only fair to tell you that I
don't believe a word you say. I have one thing to say to you before I
go, and you had better bear it in mind. If you harm a hair of Tom
Nelson's head, and I believe you quite capable of it, I will never rest
till I have found you out and punished you for it."

"I am not afraid of you, John Miles," retorted Crane, but he looked
uncomfortable.

"You will have cause to be, if you injure Tom."

Miles walked off, leaving behind him a bitter enemy.

"I _hate_ him--him and the boy too!" muttered Bill Crane. "If I d